Properties of Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between a point on a wave and the exact same point on the next wave.

Front

How is one complete wavelength measured?

Back

One complete wavelength is measured from crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What units are used to measure frequency?

Back

Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz).

Front

What is frequency?

Back

Frequency is the number of complete waves that pass a point in one second.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance a wave moves from its rest position.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is the motion of water molecules in the ocean when a wave passes?

Back

Water molecules move in a circular motion when a wave goes by.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave where the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave.